Martyred staffer of The Nation awarded

Islamabad – Journalists Foundation Pakistan has awarded ‘Pillar of Pakistan Award’ to martyred journalist Siraj-ud-Din in recognition of his valuable services in the field.

The journalists paid rich tribute to the brave journalist who lost his life for restoration of peace.
According to details, The Journalists Foundation Pakistan organized a function at the Dr Abdul Qadir Khan Auditorium in Sir Syed Memorial Society Islamabad where journalists, anchorpersons, ambassadors, writers, government officials and politician’s attended the event.
The organizers of the function highlighted the difficulties that journalist Siraj faced and how he performed his duties by reporting facts from the troubled area of Swat, while on this occasion people from all walks of life lauded Siraj’s sacrifices.
The speakers said that Siraj was a senior journalist and was found very active during the difficult circumstance in Swat.
They said that people like Siraj who lost their lives for peace in our history are shining examples for future generations.
Siraj was the first journalist who sacrifices his life for peace in Swat valley but unluckily the government neither recognized his martyrdom nor condoled to the bereaved family yet.

Siraj ud Din was associated with The Nation as staff reporter and his career in the field spanned over two decades.

During rise of the Taliban in Swat valley, he received life threats from the militants for not publishing their viewpoint.

He, however, refused to bow down before the Taliban pressure and kept highlighting their atrocities and barbarism against innocent people of the scenic valley.
He was martyred in a suicide attack on Feb 29, 2008 in Mingora, Swat.

Haroon Siraj, son of the deceased who is a working journalist received the posthumous award for his shaheed father.